Meet Giselle Tongi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Giselle Tongi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Giselle, why did you pursue a creative career?
My journey into the artistic realm began early, immersed in the film and television industry of the Philippines as a commercial model, which naturally evolved into hosting and acting roles. This exposure ignited a passion, leading me to pursue formal theater training at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York City at 21. At 23, California became my adopted tahanan (home), where I’ve since rooted myself.

Living within the Filipino diaspora, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of art in preserving cultural identity and fostering pakikipagkapwa-tao (shared humanity). My academic pursuits at UCLA, where I majored in communications and minored in film, television, digital art, and theater, solidified this understanding, propelling me to create culturally specific content. This led to producing my first documentary reality series in partnership with the Basco family in the Philippines, and later, to producing a daily talk show for Filipinos in Los Angeles on KSCI LA18 from 2014-2017.

Throughout this time, I was deeply involved with FilAm Arts, a non-profit organization whose mission is “to advance Philippine arts and culture through global collaborations in community arts, presentations, and education.” I rose through its ranks, from volunteer to Festival Director, Board Member, Programming Director, and now, Executive Director. These skills also propelled me to become a co-producer and community liaison for the first ever all Filipino cast on Broadway that opened at the Broadway Theater in the summer of 2023 called Here Lies Love.

FilAm Arts’ mission resonated deeply with me. It aligned perfectly with my professional aspirations and personal layunin (purpose): to use my creative and administrative skills to amplify Filipino voices and stories, celebrating our kultura (culture) and strengthening our community. This is why I pursue this path – to contribute to the rich tapestry of Filipino artistry, ensuring its legacy endures and thrives for generations to come.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art, at its core, is a pagpupugay (tribute) to the Filipino experience, a weaving together of tradition and modernity to tell stories and produce experiences that resonate across the diaspora. What sets my work apart, I believe, is its deep ugat (root) in our cultural heritage, while embracing contemporary forms of expression.

I’m most proud of my ability to create platforms that amplify Filipino voices, giving them space to be seen and heard. This stems from a core belief in pakikipagkapwa-tao (shared humanity) – the understanding that our stories connect us all. My journey to where I am today professionally has been far from easy. It has been a lakbay (journey) filled with challenges, from navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry to securing funding for culturally specific projects.

One of the greatest challenges has been breaking through the barriers that often limit representation of marginalized communities. I’ve overcome these obstacles through tiyaga (perseverance), tapang (courage), and the unwavering support of my pamayanan (community). I’ve learned that collaboration, building strong relationships, and staying true to my pananaw (vision) are essential.

The lessons I’ve learned are many:

Embrace your pinagmulan (origin): Our cultural heritage is our strength.
Be a tagapagtaguyod (advocate): Use your art to uplift and empower.
Practice bayanihan (community spirit): We are stronger together.
Never lose your puso (heart): Authenticity and passion are key.
What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that it is a story of resilience, of cultural pride, and of the enduring power of art to connect us to our sarili (self), to each other, and to our lahi (race/heritage). It’s a story of how we, as Filipinos living in the diaspora, are not just surviving, but thriving, and shaping the world with our unique gifts.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ah, my kaibigan (friend) is coming to Los Angeles? Prepare for a feast for the senses, a journey through the heart of our pamayanan (community), and a celebration of our vibrant kultura (culture)!

A Week in LA: A Filipino Cultural Odyssey

Day 1: A Taste of Home, A Glimpse of History

We begin with brunch at Sampa in the Downtown Arts District, where Chef Josh elevates our almusal (breakfast) to an art form.
Then, a pilgrimage to Historic Filipinotown, where we’ll stand in awe before Eliseo Art Silva’s monumental mural, a powerful pagsasalaysay (narrative) of our history. The largest in the nation.
Dinner at Lasita in Chinatown, where Chef Chase’s culinary artistry will transport us to the flavors of home.
Day 2: Barbecue Bliss and Festival Fever

A taste of ihaw-ihaw (barbecue) at Park’s Finest, where Christine and John Erick Concordia’s mastery will ignite our tastebuds.
If the stars align, and my friend arrives during September, we’ll immerse ourselves in the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC). As its producer and it being the largest and longest-running Filipino festival in SoCal, a grand pagdiriwang (celebration) of our heritage through every art form imaginable.
Day 3: Kuya Lord and California Cruising

A culinary journey to Kuya Lord’s, where we’ll experience the flavors that earned Chef Lord his James Beard award.
We’ll cruise along the coast, feeling the hangin (wind) and the sikat ng araw (sunshine), a classic California experience with a Filipino twist, maybe ending in a Jeepney Tour courtesy of Pilipino Workers Center.
Day 4-7: Exploring the City’s Treasures, Celebrating Our Filipino Heritage

We’ll delve deeper into LA’s diverse offerings, exploring its museums, music scene, and hidden gems.
Throughout October, we’ll partake in the numerous Filipino American History Month celebrations, a time of reflection, education, and pagpupugay (homage) to our ancestors.

This itinerary is more than just a list of places; it’s an invitation to experience the richness and dynamism of Filipino culture in Los Angeles. It’s a chance to connect with our lahi (heritage), celebrate our sining (art), and forge lasting memories with my kaibigan.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It is with a heart full of pasasalamat (gratitude) that I acknowledge the many hands that have shaped my journey. First and foremost, my deepest pugay (respect) goes to the Filipino artistic community, whose talent transcends boundaries and continues to inspire me to advocate on their behalf to find resources and spaces for their artistry. Their creativity is the lifeblood that sustains our cultural heritage.

I must also extend my heartfelt thanks to Joel Jacinto, a fellow Bruin and the former Executive Director of Search to Involve Filipino Americans (SIPA). He is also the founder of one of Los Angeles’s premiere Philippine folk arts groups, Kayamanan Ng Lahi. Joel’s gabay (guidance) was instrumental in my stepping into my role at FilAm Arts. He encouraged me to pursue my Master’s in Nonprofit Management, a decision that has been pivotal in my leadership.

Finally, I want to express my profound appreciation for the exemplary Board of Directors at FilAm Arts. Hailing from diverse sectors of our community, their collective wisdom and pamumuno (leadership) have been invaluable in my efforts to spearhead this Filipino American nonprofit organization. Their dedication to our kultura (culture) and unwavering support have been a true blessing.

Website: https://www.filamartsla.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filamartsla

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filamarts

Image Credits
Personal photo by Billy Bustamante